John Mills

Fellowship:  January 1959 – January 1968 Digswell House

Artform: Sculpture

John Mills is a distinguished sculptor who has worked and produced numerous public sculptures that can be seen across the UK.

Whilst at Digswell in the 1960’s John made ‘Dancer’ which was purchased by Queenswood School, Herts and where it can still be seen today.

During his time at Digswell John embarked on writing a book about ‘The Techniques of Sculpture’, which was published by Batsford, Within the book John acknowledged all the areas of the possibilities of the variety materials that can be used to construct sculptures.

Since the days of Digswell John have created powerful sculptures that adorn and embrace their chosen environment as well his private collections both have historically made an impact on British sculpture within the 20th & 21st century respectively.

Comparisons 1990:

John quotes: The inspiration for this sculpture is the comparing of physical changes that occur as one gets older. My interest in the strong body and its defining musculature relates to my past activities both as a springboard diver and a physical training instructor during my National Service. I try to give my figures the strength and dynamic that is associated with specific body types that develop from particular use. In this case ‘body building’ is the underlying activity and comparing muscular development is a constant factor in this sport.

Education:

1933 – Born in London

1947-1954 – Hammersmith School of Art

1956-1960 – Royal College of Art

Teaching posts:

1962- 1970 – St Albans School of Art

1970- 1977 – Hertfordshire College of Art

Visiting lecturer at the Detroit School of Creative Arts

Visiting Professor and artist in residence at the University of Michigan

1982 – Made a fellow of the Royal Society of Sculptors

1986 – Elected president of the society

1993 – Became a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts

Commissions:

P&O Cruises

The Royal Institute

Rank Xerox

Waite Development

Westminster City Council

Corporate and Private Collectors:

Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mother

The London Fire brigade

The City of London

Chicago institute of Fine Art

Oxford UK

Clark University USA

Works in Public Places:

’William Blake Memorial’, Blake House, London

‘Blitz’ – the National memorial to fire-fighters who died in World War II – old change court, St.Paul’s London

‘London River Man’, Isle of Dogs, Docklands, London

‘Brother’ – University Hospital, Ann Arhor, Michigan, USA

‘Swimmers’ – Cambridge swimming pool, Cambridge

‘Thoughtful Girl’ – Clark University, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA